Central High Commemorative Garden at Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site
The Central High Commemorative Garden at Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site is located across from the Visitor Center at the corner of South Park Street and Daisy L. Gaston Bates Drive. It is open during daylight hours year-round.
The garden was dedicated on September 25, 2001, the 44th anniversary of the first full day of school at Little Rock Central High for the nine black students (Little Rock Nine) who chose to put their own safety aside and racially integrate the all-white school in 1957. The students (of which there were originally ten) did not attempt to go to school on the official first day of school, September 3rd. They did attempt to enter the next day, but the Arkansas National Guard at the order of Governor Orval Faubus kept them out.
After missing school for a few weeks due to legal battles over desegregation, the group (now only nine, as one decided to go to a black school in response to threats to her family) successfully entered Central High on September 23rd, but they were quickly escorted out to avoid violence. This prompted President Dwight Eisenhower to send in the 357th Airborne Battle Group (part of the 101st Airborne Division) and federalize the Arkansas National Guard. On the 25th, the Airborne soldiers escorted the Little Rock Nine into the building for their first full day of school.
Michael Warrick and Aaron Hussey, two sculptors with over 200 exhibits under their belts and installed works in 15 states, designed the Central High Commemorative Garden. In the middle is a circular plaza with two brick-and-concrete arches designed to resemble the school’s front façade. The interior sides of the arches feature reflective photo collages showing Central High’s history over the years. Etched into the ground in between the arches is a poem titled The Spirit of Central High.
Reflective photo collage at the Central High Commemorative Garden, Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site
Spirit of Central High poem at the Central High Commemorative Garden, Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site
Nine benches and nine trees line the path to the Central High Commemorative Garden. These symbolize the bravery and strength of the Little Rock Nine.
A few of the benches and trees dedicated to the Little Rock Nine at the Central High Commemorative Garden, Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site
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Last updated on September 19, 2026
